Month: October 2017

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For the past 25 years, Chester County Planning Commission Graphics Specialist Polly Chalfant has been able to use her design and communication talents to transform technical information to a more visually appealing and user-friendly format.

“I’m a designer/illustrator, so I’ve been able to use my skills to design documents and reports and, even last year, to help redesign the website,” she said. Continue Reading →

Though the days of using design tools such as the Leroy Lettering Set and polyester film are long gone at the Chester County Planning Commission, Graphics Supervisor Diana Zak has advanced with design technology at the agency over the years.

Diana celebrated her 25-year anniversary with the county in September. She landed a job with the Planning Commission while looking for the stability that comes with a full-time job. Continue Reading →

Ernie Holling, a West Pikeland resident, is one of the Landscapes3 Steering Committee members. Holling is the president and chief executive officer of The InTech Group Inc., a company that provides global agility in technology solutions.

Holling is also a member of the West Pikeland Township Board of Supervisors and the president of the Chester County Association of Township Officials. He is a member of the Mill at Anselma Preservation and Education Trust Board of Trustees. Holling brings his expertise in infrastructure/utilities to the Landscapes3 Steering Committee. Continue Reading →

Deirdre Flemming, an East Brandywine resident, is one of the Landscapes3 Steering Committee members. Flemming co-owns Two Gander Farm in East Brandywine with her husband.

As a steering committee member, she will bring expertise in the area of co-owning and operating a United States Department of Agriculture certified organic produce business that grows food for a 100-plus member CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), local restaurants, retail stores, and for a prominent Philadelphia area farmers’ market. Flemming said she grows on 10 acres of leased land that is nested within a 262-acre preserve owned by the Brandywine Conservancy. Flemming said she and her husband are actively demonstrating how preserved farmland can be utilized to increase local food access, improve community health and quality of life, and protect natural resources through regenerative agriculture. Continue Reading →

Neal Fisher, one of the Landscapes3 Steering Committee members, is the vice president of development for the Hankin Group, a real estate development company in Uwchlan.

Fisher is a professional engineer in the state of Pennsylvania. His areas of expertise as a member of the steering committee include municipal services, land development, permitting, and construction management. He will promote connectivity, long-term planning, and sustainability for Chester County. Continue Reading →

The Planning Commission welcomed a new employee in September: Design Planner Albert Park. Albert began working for the agency on Sept. 25.

In addition to assisting the graphics specialists with graphics related tasks, Albert will help in the evaluation of Act 247 land development proposals, assist in development of comprehensive plan planning concepts and illustrations, and help planners with stormwater, landscaping, site layout, and urban design issues they encounter. He will be using various tools to help with his daily tasks, including Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and AutoCAD. Continue Reading →

Lend your voice toward the development of Landscapes3, the county’s next long-range comprehensive plan, at a public meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the West Whiteland Township Building, 101 Commerce Drive, Exton. The meeting is an open house display from 5:30 to 6:30, with a formal presentation at 6:30, followed by an opportunity for public comment. Check out more details about the meeting.

Cheryl B. Kuhn, an Atglen resident, is one of the Landscapes3 Steering Committee members. Kuhn is the president and chief executive officer of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce in West Grove.

Kuhn, who has an Institute of Organization Management certification, has worked at the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce since 2011. Her previous experience includes vice president with the Main Line Chamber of Commerce and more than 20 years in administration, operations and marketing communications for national and regional firms. Continue Reading →

Larry Welsch, a Parkesburg native, is a Landscapes3 Steering Committee member. Welsch is the executive director of the Chester County Food Bank, which mobilizes the community to ensure access to healthy food.

As a member of the steering committee, he will bring his expertise in health and the food services business. At the food bank, he has worked toward alleviating hunger by offering healthy food to county residents who are struggling to make ends meet. Continue Reading →

The Chester County Commissioners issued a proclamation in recognition of the work done by professional and volunteer local, county, and regional planners in conjunction with the celebration of National Community Planning Month at the Oct. 17 public Sunshine Meeting.

“It’s important to take the time to acknowledge the valuable efforts and contributions of local planners, including those who work for the Chester County Planning Commission and municipalities,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline. “Their work is significant when it comes to planning for our county’s future and balancing managed growth with preservation.”

In addition to the Commissioners’ proclamation, the Chester County Planning Commission board issued a proclamation earlier this month in recognition of National Community Planning Month. Check out more info about Planning Month and examples of successful projects in Chester County. Continue Reading →